- Author:
- Moor, J. H
- Publication Info:
-
Singapore:
no recorded publisher,
1837,
pg 12
Text on page 12
RESIDENCY OF THE NORTH-WEST COAST OF BORNEO.
it, and prevents]: smuggling, upon which heavy duties act as a premium. The writer is confident that such an approximation to free trade as he has suggested would promote commerce and increase the revenue.
Under this arrangement the increase of trade would give a new impetus to the industry of the Daya; and when the nvre flourishing state of the revenue permits theuse of other means thaa commerce for their civilization, some portion might be devoted to tbe purchase of foreign articles in request among them, to be given in consideration of their opening roads through the Residency or employing their extra time on works of public utility. By this, the taste for these articles would be increased, their industry excited, and the resources of the country better developed.
However great these resources may be, the population is insufficient to render them beneficial, and in consequence, another needful measure might be the introduction of emigrants from other parts. Here the superabundant population of China, probably the most useful race of Asiatics to be found in the Malayan Archipelago, presents itself to view. Might not the Chinese be encouraged to settle by treating them in a less vexatious manner ? Let no fee be demanded on their settling or their departure, nor a capitation tax during their stay* nor any other marked distinction be drawn between them and the other members of t e community, anl there can be na doubt they would flock in greater numbers than ever, and would conduct themselves in as peaceable a manner as in other parts. It may be apprehended that they would render themselves masters of the island ; but, the consideration of the dependence of those who are at present settled there, on foreign supply, of their knowledge of that dependence, and of their known tractability under a mild government, seems sufficient to remove such apprehensions. An increase in the Chinese population would cause greater activity in trade and increase the revenue.
The question of the best mode of extirpating piracy has been so often agitated in the public prints that it is unnecessary to swell the limits of this memoir by entering into a detaikon this head. A reference to these will shew that preventive measures appear the most efficacious; to be effected principally by a more efficient marine, than that generally employed on this service, ||
Having stated the grounds on which he has ventured to impugn tbe policy of the present system, and hazarded a few suggestions for its amelioration, it may be permitted the writer to close this memoir by expressing his fervent wishes for the prosperity of the Residency and by recording his firm conviction that if the Government of Netherlands India would attain the objects which he has supposed have originated these establishments, it must be by adopting a more liberal policy. This might be effected by carrying into execution the propositions of the last Commissioner, Mr. Diard, as from personal knowledge of that gentleman, and the opportunities he must have had of acquiring the necessary information for framing an able report, the writer has no doubt the measures he has proposed, would improve the condition of the Residency and lead to the accomplishment of the wishes of the Commissioner General for the prosperity of this portion of his Government, a portion which might be made one of the richest jewels in the crown of the Netherlands.
awas immediately increased to nearly three times its former amount, or to a 7,200. 15s. 9d showing that the coo-sumption of legally imported coffee must have increased in about a ninefoU proportion! A striking and conclusive proof, as Mr. Bryan Edwards has observed, of the effect of he*vy taxation in defeating its own object.a
X One of the principal Ugi at Pontianak told a Commissioner, that his circumstances placed him above the temptation to embark in illicit speculations, but he felt assured that, should the present system be persisted in, his descendants wonld have no hesitatien to engage in contraband trade.
As mentioned in the memoi* many rivers discharge themselves Into the sea and afford great facility for smuggling ; many of these are on either side of Mam paw A, and a* this post is disadvantageous^ situated, the soil not permitting the sinking of wells, at particular seasons it is necessary to send three hours up the river for water; it might be advisable to remove it to Pulo Tomaju, which commands the coast and affords good anchorage close to the shore.
H. P^sent coast marine consists of four gunboats, of such a construction as tA be only fitted to lie along side of fortifications, in smooth watr. When placed in *uch a situation as at Palembang and Mampawa they have done good service. But they are utterly unfit for the pursuit of pirate prahus and afford the offteers in command of them bo opportunity of shewing their zeal for the service* They were constructed for the Palembang affair, and should be condemned and replaced by other vessels better calculated for the coast.
The present Sultan of Sambas is the person whose piracies caused the British to attack Sambas in 1814. Many anecdotes, are told of his generous actions while a pirate, which would be interesting if collected and would afford an am use aiest and occupation for his leisure hours to any Dutch gentleman, who should foel inclined to undertake the task*
[Published in the Singapore Chronicle} in Oct, Nov 1827.][Published in the Singapore Chronicle} in Oct, Nov 1827.]
